“That must be difficult.”
I rolled my shoulders. “Some days are tougher than others.”
“I should get back inside in case Zaza wakes,” she stated, struggling to exit the tub while bogged down with soggy clothes.
“Here, let me give you a hand.” I put my hands on her waist. A thick layer of fabric insulated me from her skin and yet I found myself acutely aware of her. Quickly and easily, I hoisted her over the side and frowned as she immediately shivered. “You need to get changed before you end up sick,” I stated, heaving myself from the tub.
I’d not thought much about the fact I only wore shorts but she noticed. Her gaze locked onto my chest—which I kept toned with daily pushups—and my body tightened in a place that would be noticeable. I snatched my robe and threw it on, tying the sash before grabbing my towel and wrapping it around her head and upper shoulders. “Let’s get you inside.” I shoved my feet into my footwear as she took a few steps in the thick snow—which clung to her water-laden boots—and almost pitched headfirst into the snow.
Yeah, that wouldn’t do.
“Don’t scream,” I warned.
“Wh—” The word cut off mid*breath as I scooped her into my arms and carried her in the direction of the chalet door.
“I can walk,” she stated while trembling in my arms—from the cold obviously, not because she was overcome with lust in response to my broken body.
“I know you can, but the last thing you need is to trip and land in some snow while soaked. You’re cold enough as is.”
“Are you always this nurturing?”
I snorted. “Hardly.”
“Yet you keep taking care of me.”
“Wouldn’t have to if you didn’t get into constant trouble.” I regretted saying it the moment it slipped past my lips.
Her head ducked. “He always said I was useless.”
Now I felt even more like a heel. “Hardly useless. That dinner was pretty damned epic.”
“Cooking is easy.”
“Not for me and many others. Maybe that’s what you should apply to do. You know, become a chef or something in a restaurant.”
“I don’t have formal training.”
“Not all places require it. Whip something up in your interview and wow them.”
“You’re too kind. I’m only an okay cook.”
“That stew was the best I ever ate. And that bread…” I groaned. “I am hoping you have enough ingredients to make another tomorrow.”
Her laughter warmed me inside and in places she thankfully couldn’t see. “I can do that. And since you’re so appreciative, maybe some torta tenerina.”
“Can’t say I know what that is, but if you’re making it, I’m betting it’s going to be scrumptious.”
“Torta tenerina is a fudgy chocolate cake, similar I think to what you’d call a brownie. I think you’ll like it.”
A chuckle escaped me. “I’m sure I will. That is, if Percy doesn’t beat me to it.”
“Your lizard is quite smart and tame,” she commented as I reached the door.
“Yeah. I think Percy belonged to someone before finding me, but no one I spoke to in town seemed to know anything.”
“I wonder what breed Percy is. I’ve never seen a lizard like that before. Little salamanders yes, but one that size…”
“Definitely not native to the area,” I agreed.
